August 2005 Ingredient Roundup - Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables

This round-up features several natural ingredients which, while not new in and of themselves, keep finding new applications in food processing.

Aug 30, 2005

Almond powerhouse

California almonds deliver on both nutrition and taste. A very nutrient-dense nut, a 1-oz. serving of almonds is an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium, and a good source of fiber and protein. Almonds have a subtle yet rich flavor that complements both sweet and savory foods. With more forms available than any other nut, almonds are prized for their ability to work in broad product applications — from cereals, snacks and center-of-plate, to desserts, confections and baked goods.Almond Board of California; Modesto, Calif.209-343-3214; www.almondsarein.com

Crisp veggies

Ticaloid 310 Powder is now offered to vegetable suppliers. The gum system is used to control moisture and properties like crispness and freshness in frozen produce and frozen vegetable-based side dishes. The hydrocolloid imparts a smooth texture with functional properties such as emulsification, particle suspension and thickening. In addition to being sprinkled over frozen vegetables, the cold water-soluble gum is commonly used to replace starches in sauces, soups and dressingsTIC Gums; Belcamp, Md.800-899-3953; www.ticgums.com

Citrus treatt

Lime HV is extracted entirely from Citrus aurantifolia (also knows as West Indian, Mexican or Key Lime), is 100 percent natural and FTNF. It provides a balanced lime flavor at low dosage rates – 1 ppm and less in finished products. Lemon HV also is offered. Applications for both include the full range of beverages — soft, isotonic and alcoholic drinks plus juices. Both products are water white, so are suitable for clear beverages. Treatt USA Inc; Lakeland, Fla.863-668-9500; www.treatt.com

High-ORAC antioxidants

ORAC — oxygen radical absorbent capacity — is the standard measure of antioxidant power, and VitaBerry GRAS fruit extracts and concentrated freeze-dried fruit powders score a healthy 6,000 ORAC units per gram. Antioxidant phytochemicals have received abundant attention for their capacity to reduce risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts and certain infections plus are implicated in a wealth of other health benefits. VitaBerry GRAS phytochemicals are easy to use, fully intact and available in encapsulated or powder form. The product is easily incorporated into beverages such as carbonated drinks, teas, chais and smoothie mixes or in fillings, dairy products and desserts, providing fresh-fruit flavor plus all the benefits of fresh berry blend.VDF FutureCeuticals; Momence, Ill.888-472-3545; www.vandrunenfarms.com

Nutty powder

Hazelnut Praline Powder was developed in collaboration with the chocolate industry. While it has long been available in paste form, the powder form offers advantages over conventional liquid paste form. Bedemco Inc.; White Plains, N.Y.914-683-1119; www.bedemco.com

Raisin the bar

All-natural California raisins are a ticket to adding health, sweetness and flavor enhancements for new products or line enhancements. As a replacement for sugar, salt, fat and preservatives, California raisins can be colored or flavored to match a wide range of ingredients: lemon, cinnamon, peppermint, cherry, strawberry, licorice and even jalapeño chili pepper. Raisins are rich sources of nutrients, antioxidants and fiber and easy to incorporate into formulations.California Raisin Marketing Board; San Mateo, Calif.650-340-8311; www.calraisins.org

Wild blueberries fight cancer

New research has shown that natural antioxidants, such as those found in wild blueberries, contain natural components that simultaneously inhibit cancer-promoting enzymes and block the growth of tumor cells. This is in addition to the scavenging of oxygen free-radicals by antioxidant components. Studies reveal wild blueberries have among the highest antioxidant capacities compared with more than 20 fruits — more antioxidant capacity than cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, apples and even cultivated blueberries. Antioxidants have an ability to protect against other health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and chronic inflammation. Wild Blueberry Assn. of North America; Kennebunkport, Maine207-967-5024; www.wildblueberries.com